As reported earlier, free agent All-Star Center Pau Gasol notified the Chicago Bulls that he will opt of his contract after a two-year tenure with the team after signing with them during his last stint in free agency. 

Despite increasing his play during his two years in Chicago, Gasol will leave Chicago after criticizing the organization for lacking a sense of urgency, awareness, and maturity.

The Bulls had some hope to keep the six-time All-Star, but ESPN's Nick Friedell tweeted yesterday that, “Both Bulls and Pau know he'll be playing elsewhere next season,” essentially putting those hopes to rest. Gasol now joins both 2010-11 MVP point guard Derrick Rose and the 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah in their departure from the Bulls, who seem to be in total rebuild mode after missing the playoffs this past season.

However, although Gasol leaves this summer on a sour note after the Bulls missed the postseason, the Spanish center still provides a great opportunity for teams to elevate their lineup and increase the depth of their frontcourt rotations. Gasol won two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his increased numbers during the past season, where the 7-footer averaged a career best in assists and rebounds, will definitely attract many suitors around the league.

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Gasol has heavily interested the San Antonio Spurs, who will definitely be looking to gain another championship caliber veteran to add to their already stacked squad. For the 15-year veteran, the desire to win another title in the near future will most likely triumph over mediocre teams that can offer large amounts of guaranteed money.

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